How to Budget a Brownstone Garden Upgrade

Introducing an enhanced garden space to your New York City brownstone can be rewarding. But it’s too easy for scope creep to send costs soaring if you’re not careful. After all, navigating cramped spaces with equipment and meeting city requirements can add a lot of money to your final costs. 

Keep reading as we unpack what you’ll need to consider as you budget for a brownstone garden upgrade.

Consider Street Access Concerns

Space is at a premium in New York City. And that can make accessing tight garden spaces tough for anyone involved in doing a brownstone garden upgrade. 

You may face higher labor costs if it takes more effort to move tools and equipment onto the garden site. Don’t be surprised if you’re paying extra, but always ask if you notice an unclear line item on your contract.

Factor in Masonry and Drainage Needs

If you have retaining walls, walkways, or other hardscape spaces, they may need repairs as part of the garden upgrade process. These costs can add up quickly, as repairing crumbling retaining walls requires precise structural decisions and quality materials. 

Additionally, your townhome might not have a modern drainage system in place. You’ll want to account for costs to fix drainage slopes so you can avoid flooding or other problems in your revamped summer garden. 

Account for Plant Costs

Before purchasing plants, consider the unique needs of your garden. If you have mature trees nearby, for instance, you may need to select plants that do best in the shade. And compact areas may not allow deep root growth, so you’ll want to find plants or shrubs that are matched to your soil requirements.

Hardy plants that can tolerate an urban setting are a must. Be sure to set a plant budget and consider opting for low-maintenance options. You won’t need to replace plants as frequently when you select ones appropriate for your garden’s conditions. 

Compare Different Bids

Before hiring a company to complete your garden upgrade, gather several bids. You’ll want to see a breakdown of costs for labor and materials, as well as debris disposal. Bids should specify timelines and other critical details, like irrigation or masonry repairs. 

A reputable company like Dynascape, for instance, will use landscape sales and estimating tools to prepare a comprehensive bid. Then you can ask questions to clarify individual costs. 

Make Final Budgeting Preparations

You don’t want to be blindsided by unexpected costs during a brownstone garden update. It’s smart to keep about 10% of the total budget in additional funds to cover surprise costs. And verify that the bid price from a contractor will closely match the final total.

Don’t neglect to tackle masonry and irrigation projects first, since they will impact how your garden functions. And aim to select contractors who’ve worked in tight spaces before. 

Plan Your Garden Upgrade

With some smart choices, you can ensure that your brownstone garden upgrade project goes smoothly. Work with seasoned contractors and be clear on all costs. Understand the timeline and set a budget for plant purchases.

Ultimately, you’ll end up investing time and money into a worthy project that elevates your garden space in New York City.